What are the different ship security levels and what do they mean?
- Level 1- Normal
- Level 2 - heightened risk
- Level 3 - Exceptional risk
What are the conditions under security level 2?
Access – ID, visitor list, gangway log, escorted throughout, limited access point, approved visitors by DPA / Vessel manager
Monitoring - Increased look out and patrol frequency
Restricted areas - locked and subject to frequent checks
Weapons – As above, increased frequency
Cargo – None unescorted, check nearly all cargo incoming, watch on stevedores
What security threats are there?
Hijacking
Cargo tampering
Smuggling
Stowaways
Bomb threats
Environmental activist
What are the conditions under security level 3?
Access - one access point, restricted visitor list, gangway log, escorted, raise gangway
Monitoring - waterside boat patrols, use of divers to check hull, barriers around vessel,
Restricted areas – locked and posted crew
Weapons – Everyone searched or prevent entry
Cargo – Secure cargo areas with barriers, monitor, escort personnel. Be prepaperd to stop cargo operations and sail
What are the conditions under security level 1?
Access – ID required, visitor list, gangway log, approved visitors by DPA / Vessel manager
Monitoring – look out and patrols
Restricted areas – Locked areas, patrols
Weapons - search baggage as specified
Cargo – verify cargo, spot checking, check stores
Contingency
Which vessels is ISPS mandatory for?
- Applies to all vessels >500gt and passenger vessels
What are the frequency of your ISPS drills?
- As per ship security plan and company drill matrix
- After >25% crew change
- Monthly table top
- Every 3 months practical
Who determines the Ship security level?
- Determined by the flag state.
- Vessel informed by Company Security officer
Where are the regulations found for ISPS?
- Contained within SOLAS XI-2
What is the function of the Company Security Officer?
- Carry out Ship Security Assessment
- Request to be done by competent authority
- Develop Ship Security Plan
- Ensure efficient implementation of the plan
- Audits on board vessels
- Non-compliance → rectification
What is the UK Maritime Trade Organisation, what does it do?
Provides information from Royal Navy to Merchant Navy
Used by vessels transiting High Risk Areas
Has voluntary reporting points
Allows vessels to have broad situational awareness of their route
What does the Ship Security Officer do onboard?
- Implements the SSP
- Responsible for security matters
- Reports to Master and CSO
- Liase with PFSO
- Aware of
- Baggage – searches, unaccompanied baggage procedures
- Maintenance & testing of equipment and SSAS
- Training and drills
- SSA / SSP
- Audits and inspections with Master and CSO
How can you prevent stowaways?
Cover / secure hawse pipe
Remove / restrict access
Raise gangway
Raise pilot ladders
Lock deck stores
Maintain infrequent but regular deck patrols
Illumination of vessel
Check sides of vessel for suspicious craft or persons